AMD to launch three new 2.6GHz Opteron models

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has plans to launch as many as three new Opteron processors running at speeds of 2.6GHz today. This would help them expand their product range for the server market where they have gained significant edge over their bigger market rivals and the leaders Intel.

These three new processors would be dual-core Opteron models 185, 285 and 885. AMD claims that these new processors would show performance improvements of about 4 percent to 15 percent compared with earlier top-end models running at 2.4GHz.

Interestingly, this announcement from AMD comes just a day before rivals Intel would be holding their Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. Intel is expected to reveal some details on their processor, which is going to power the mysterious Microsoft Origami device.

AMD has said that the 185 model is for single-processor systems and will be available within 30 days. The 285 variant is for dual-processor systems and costs $1,051 in 1,000-unit quantities. The best of the new lot, 885 model is for four- or eight-processor systems and costs $2,149 in 1,000-unit quantities.